DOT launches historical trail guidebook to promote heritage tourism in Ilocos, Pangasinan
DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Ilocos region has launched the Regional Historical Trail Guidebook to develop a comprehensive historical trail that includes significant sites from the Spanish colonial era to World War II.
The guidebook was launched on Feb. 5 at Casa Real, Lingayen, Pangasinan, in partnership with the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) and the Ilocos provinces to preserve history for future generations.
According to the DOT, the project aims to document and manage historical sites within the region’s tourism circuit.
Thus, the guidebook serves as a crucial resource material for local businesses, government agencies, tourism officers, and community organizations to enhance tourism experiences and promote sustainability.
Evangeline Dadat, officer-in-charge regional director of DOT-Region 1, said that promoting historical tourism entails continuously developing educational tours in the region.
This not only attracts tourists and visitors but also highlights patriotism and fosters appreciation among students and Filipinos, she said.
“This guidebook is expected to foster a sense of pride in our heritage, strengthen cultural identity, and deepen our appreciation of history. We need to develop patriotism. That is why we must help our youth to learn their history and understand where they come from,” Dadat said.
DOT-Region 1 continues to collaborate with various local government units in conducting training, seminars, and workshops to craft their tourism development plans, aiming to create tour packages in partnership with tour operators and tourism officers.
Region 1’s Historical Trail Guidebook is part of a network of regional and long-distance routes designed to facilitate trade and exchange over vast distances, connecting various local groups and resource areas.
Marissa Fangon, project leader of the Region 1 Tourism Guidebook from DMMMSU, highlights the guidebook as a tool for familiarizing people with history, creating opportunities to build stronger connections with local communities, and gaining insights into how they can be better supported through sustainable tourism initiatives.
“The project also aims to look into the information gap in historical knowledge and create unique opportunities to promote sustainable tourism, preserve culture, and stimulate economic growth. This will help us convey that history is truly special and, at the same time, essential to the life of every Filipino—something we should never ignore or take for granted,” Fangon said.
Fangon added that after the launch of the guidebook, they will collaborate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to produce QR (quick response) codes for the itineraries of regional and provincial circuits, making the guidebook easily accessible to tourists.
Pangasinan Provincial Tourism Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan expressed her gratitude for this project, as it helps develop and promote tourism destinations, including historical sites in Pangasinan.
A total of 8.5 million tourists visited various attractions in Pangasinan, including Manaoag, Bolinao, Alaminos City, and Lingayen in 2024.
Governor Ramon Guico III, in a message delivered by lawyer Christine Jamie Melchor of the Provincial Legal Office highlighted the initiative to promote regional tourism through historical landmarks.
“We must be proud of our heritage as it reflects the remarkable milestones of our pre-colonial, colonial, revolutionary, and post-colonial history up to the present. From our prehistoric ancestors to our current generation of today, our story sparks with genius, shines with courage, and stimulates dreams for our sustainable future. The historical trail goes beyond the boundaries of provinces and regions,” Melchor said.
History remains in museum
Micheal Armand Canilao, director for Northern Luzon of the National Museum of the Philippines, emphasized that this guidebook will help students, researchers, and historians enhance understanding of history, strengthen sense of identity, and meaningfully integrate this knowledge into people’s lives.
“The National Museum is in the forefront of surveying, documenting, and conserving historical structures for the appreciation of our generation and the future generations,” Canilao said.
Canilao added that the Ilocos region has the most-visited museum complex in northern Luzon among the National Museums, surpassing the other four component museums located in Batanes, Kabayan, Kiangan, and Peña Blanca.
The Region 1 Historical Trail Guidebook is dedicated to both present and future generations, fostering a deep appreciation for the history of Ilocos and the Philippines.
As one embarks on this historical trail with honor, pride, and purpose, it ensures that the legacy of Ilocos will continue to inspire generations to come. (AMB/RPM/PIA Pangasinan)
